33 governors ask IOC to rethink cut to wrestling

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad is hoping support from dozens of governors will help a campaign to keep wrestling in the Olympics.

Branstad sent a letter Tuesday co-signed by 33 governors to International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge. It urges that the committee reconsider its decision to remove wrestling in 2020.

Branstad says in the letter the Olympics should respect key traditions. Wrestling was featured in the first modern Olympics in Athens in 1896. He also says the committee should be more transparent about how it votes when cutting sports from the program.

The IOC's decision earlier this year to remove wrestling has drawn criticism. More than 23,000 people have signed an online petition supporting Branstad's campaign to save the sport, which is beloved in Iowa.